Beat the heat with a cold one! (Surprising health benefits revealed)

As the days grow longer, brighter, and warmer, it’s not uncommon for folks to host—or be invited to—summer cookouts.

And I certainly encourage you to take advantage of the sunshine, socialization, fresh foods, and yes—even the alcohol.

In fact, pouring yourself a cold one might be just what the doctor ordered…

So long as you follow a few golden rules.

“Hearty” health benefits

As a reader of mine, you know there’s a U-shaped curve when it comes to the potential health benefits of alcohol.

Those who don’t drink any and those who drink more than moderately are at the highest risk for health complications—whereas those in the middle of the curve, who follow my advice that “moderation is key,” may gain some benefits.

(As a quick reminder, when you do indulge, I typically recommend calling it quits after two drinks.)

In fact, one study looked at the heart benefits of 30 grams (g) of red wine, gin, or non-alcoholic wine daily among participants with a high cardiovascular risk.

It turns out, both alcoholic groups saw improved HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, compared to the non-alcoholic red wine group. Highlighting the positive effects of small amounts of alcohol.

Plus, additional research supports these heart-boosting benefits…

More than 100 different studies show that moderate drinking can lower risk of heart attack, stroke, vascular diseases, sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular-related death by as much as 40 percent.

But let’s take a closer look at what’s IN your cup…

Here’s what’s in my cup

Red wine has certainly gotten the lion’s share of accolades when it comes to the health benefits of alcohol. But I actually recommend spirits instead, as they contain less sugar than other options, wine included.

But mixing in juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, or simple syrups get a hard pass in my book.

Instead, why not try my favorite cocktail recipe? It’s easy to make, satisfying on a hot summer day, and downright delicious.

All you need is a martini shaker and glass, unflavored vodka, ice, and an organic lime or fresh lime juice.

Then, all you do is add your ice, vodka, and lime juice into your shaker… shake it up… and pour it in your glass.

Cheers to the weekend!

And in the meantime…

Here’s what else we talked about this week in the Reality Health Check:

Is PAIN masking cognitive decline?

• It’s pretty easy to make the leap that chronic pain is a sure sign of inflammation.
• But could it also predict cognitive decline?
• Here’s everything you need to know…

Cancer: Flush it out, Kill it off

• The reports of this natural cancer-killing therapy and how it has stopped advanced cancers in their tracks are shocking…
• It’s called a “Natural Cancer Flush” and it works by targeting a reason many folks get cancer in the first place…
• It’s painless, as simple as sipping water, and safe to do at home.

Stop using plastic… before it’s too late

• This just in: The convenience of plastic could ultimately lead to an early grave…
• If not accelerate risk of a major cardiovascular event, like heart attack or stroke. (Yikes!)
• Get the scoop right here…

URGENT PRESCRIPTION DRUG WARNING

• Would you drive a car that fully didn’t pass its safety inspection? Well, if you’re taking any of these 5 prescription drugs, that’s exactly what you’re doing…
• A new investigative report has uncovered a loophole allowing Big Pharma to “fast track” their drugs through the approval process… Without proper safety testing… And resulting in sometimes DEADLY consequences.
• “This is causing huge amounts of real harm,” says Jerome Hoffman, UCLA’s professor emeritus of medicine. And the journal Drug Safety revealed these “fast tracked” drugs are 3.5X more likely to result in a post-marketing black box warning…

Never overlook these two dietary factors

• Did you know it’s not only what and how much you eat that influence your health…
• It’s also how fast and when you eat?
• Let’s talk about it…

Until next week,

Dr. Fred

Sources:

“Effects of red wine polyphenols and alcohol on glucose metabolism and the lipid profile: A randomized clinical trial.” Clinical Nutrition, 2013. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22999066/)

Goldberg IJ,et al.“Wine and your heart: a science advisory for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee, Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, and Council on Cardiovascular Nursing of the American Heart Association.” Circulation. 2001 Jan 23;103(3):472-5.